The Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, has urged newly trained artillery soldiers to uphold discipline, patriotism, and vigilance in the execution of their duties, warning against joining specialised military units purely for financial gain.
“You are here because of the country, so take good care of your weapons so they can also take care of you,” Maj Gen Sserunkuma said during the pass-out ceremony of 106 soldiers under the 106 Artillery Brigade in Moroto District.
The soldiers completed a specialised course on light artillery systems under the UPDF 3 Infantry Division.
The ceremony, held at Nakiloro in Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District, featured a combined graduation drill and a field exercise code-named “Last Fire.”
Maj Gen Sserunkuma cautioned the graduates against focusing on monetary incentives when joining specialised military units, drawing comparisons with the 1985 liberation struggle in which the National Resistance Army fought out of conviction and patriotism before stable salaries were introduced.
He emphasised the need for ideological clarity among the graduates and urged them to remain committed to the UPDF’s core mission of protecting wananchi and their property while prioritising national interest above personal considerations.
The Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Brig Allan Kyangungu, commended the soldiers for maintaining discipline throughout the training programme.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the 106 Artillery Brigade, Ochen, said the training focused on light artillery systems and forms part of a broader modernisation initiative within the brigade.
“We have several calibres of weapons which we intend to train all our men on,” Col Ochen said.
Several soldiers were recognised for exceptional performance during the course. Private Atuyambe Scholar was named the overall best student, while Private Abenegu Saturday emerged as the best in class.
Sgt Santos Luwum received recognition as the best in field exercises, and WO1 Andrew Lokiyol was awarded for being the most disciplined student.
The ceremony was attended by senior division leadership, including brigade commanders, the Commandant of the School of Artillery and Air Defence (SAAD) Olilim, as well as senior and junior officers of the division.
